USDA Secretary Rollins addresses ag community concerns in congressional hearing

The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture convened on June 12, 2025, to hear testimony from The Honorable Brooke L. Rollins, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The meeting focused on several pressing issues affecting the agricultural sector, including trade deficits, access to credit, and the impact of solar panel installations on farmland.

Secretary Rollins emphasized the significant trade deficit in agriculture, which has reached $50 billion under the Biden administration, contrasting it with the trade surplus experienced during the previous administration. He expressed a commitment to addressing this issue to support farmers, particularly those in the poultry industry.

A key topic of discussion was the need for timely access to credit for farmers, especially during economic downturns. Rollins acknowledged the challenges faced by the USDA in processing loans and highlighted efforts to streamline these processes by bringing in experienced private sector bankers to improve efficiency.

The committee also addressed concerns regarding the conversion of prime farmland for solar panel installations. Representative Taylor introduced the Protecting American Farmland Act, which aims to prevent federal funding from supporting such projects. Rollins assured the committee that USDA funding would not be directed towards solar panels on prime farmland, recognizing the importance of preserving agricultural land for future generations.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the importance of maintaining a robust farm safety net, including crop insurance and commodity programs. Rollins underscored the necessity of updating reference prices in the upcoming farm bill to better support farmers facing tight margins.

The session concluded with a call for collaboration across party lines to address these critical issues affecting the agricultural community. The committee members expressed a shared commitment to ensuring the sustainability and success of American farmers as they navigate ongoing challenges.